A historical residence of the XVI century
PALAZZO GUADAGNI
Located in Florence, the 16th century historic residence Palazzo Guadagni, elegantly transformed into a refined hotel, confirms its long and dedicated vocation to hospitality.
In Piazza Santo Spirito, at the corner of Via Mazzetta, Palazzo Guadagni stands out with its magnificent Loggia, renovated as a charming rooftop garden overlooking the historic centre and the hills surrounding Florentine. Like other important Florentine palaces of the same time, such as Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Strozzi and Palazzo Rucellai, Palazzo Guadagni was built utilizing fine elements in pietraforte. The interiors of this prestigious building from 1505 have been beautifully restored and display authentic spaces characterized by elegant lounges, frescoed ceilings and antique furniture.
History
This area of the historic centre of Florence was originally populated by artisans and merchants. Not by coincidence, Palazzo Guadagni was commissioned by the silk merchant Riniero di Bernardo Dei.
Later on, the residence was left as a legacy to the “Compagnia dei Buonomini di San Martino”, a welfare association which then sold it in an auction to the Guadagni family.
The original plan, attributed to the architect Simone del Pollaiolo (Il Cronaca), was followed in the 19th century by modern renovations including the construction of a new entrance for carriages from Piazza Santo Spirito.
Palazzo Guadagni increased its relevancy in the history of the Kingdom of Italy when, in 1865, Florence became the capital of Italy. It was then that the Prime Minister Urbano Rattazzi resided in this old Florentine residence.
Later on, with the stay at Palazzo Guadagni of Count Valfredo della Gherardesca, the residence got its aristocratic connotation.
The social relevance of Palazzo Guadagni for the Santo Spirito neighborhood was enhanced in the twentieth century when it was home to the Pensione Sorelle Bandini, the German Institute for Art History, as well as when it became the seat of the Pietro Thouar town library.
